Supplications are very important in Islam. According to the prophet Muhammad, supplication or dua is the heart of worship. The term dua is mentioned several times in the Quran, but it can also be interpreted in various ways. What exactly is a supplication and how should you do it? Continue reading below if you want to learn more about supplications and Islam.
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What is a supplication?
A supplication can be described in Islam as a type of prayer in which a request is made to Allah. Supplications are considered a supplication to God where you make direct contact without the need for intermediaries, opposed to Christianity. You ask for mercy or for support in a plea. Supplications are called duas in Islam, which literally means “invocation” in Arabic. Similarly, there is the traveler’s dua, where our beloved prophet Muhammad always pleaded before embarking on a journey to be assured of a good journey and a safe return.
Supplication in the Quran
It is written in the holy book of Islam, the Qur’an, that supplication is a universal practice. Everyone makes supplication from time to time, even unbelievers and idolaters do so in moments of distress, fear, or extreme grief. In the Quran you can find various supplications that you can use in your own situation.
A good example is the supplication of the prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)
14:35 And [mention, O Muḥammad], when Abraham said, “My Lord, make this city [i.e., Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.
14:36 My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people. So whoever follows me – then he is of me;1 and whoever disobeys me – indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful.
14:37 Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.
14:38 Our Lord, indeed You know what we conceal and what we declare, and nothing is hidden from Allah on the earth or in the heaven.
14:39 Praise to Allah, who has granted to me in old age Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication.
14:40 My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.
14:41 Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.”
Types of supplications
In the Qur’an it is indicated that there are different kinds of supplications. The word dua in the Quran refers in most cases to both types of supplications as mentioned below:
- The Requesting Supplication (dua al-mas’alah): These are requests addressed to Allah such as favors, guidance, forgiveness, love, health and the like.
- The worshiping supplication (dua al-ibadah): These supplications are aimed at any form of worship of God. Here God is praised as the only true God.
Etiquette of supplications
If a Muslim is going to make a supplication, there are a number of conditions that they must abide by. Any Muslim can make supplication to Allah, but if you really want your supplication answered there are some essential conditions:
- Believe in Allah and that He is the only God.
- Being sincere to Allah when supplication is made.
- Worship Allah in the prescribed Islamic way.
- The hands should be raised during supplication.
- You should trust that Allah will hear your supplication.
- Use names and attributes of Allah.
- You should repeatedly supplicate Allah and be firm.
- Turn to Allah with humility, reverence and hope.
- You should not be in a hurry when making the supplication.
- Make sure you eat and have eaten halal and wear appropriate clothing.
- The supplication should not be made too loudly, but in a moderate voice.
- The supplications should be made at recommended times and places. For example during the night there is a particular moment when Allah comes close to the believer or on Friday (around Friday prayer)
- It is important that you can acknowledge your mistakes (+ stop making the mistake) and be firm in what you ask.
The importance of supplications
Muslims consider the making of duas or supplications very important for a number of reasons. Thus supplication can be seen as the noblest act towards Allah as it is the best form of worship.
We often forget that a dua is the weapon against evil and increases the livelihood as our beloved prophet said.
You prove that you believe in Allah and see Him as the only true God. You obey Allah and thanks to the supplication Allah is always there for us when we need Him. Allah is bountiful and forgiving, and this is evident through supplications. He is never far from us and protects us from evil.
Leaving supplications is considered a sign of folly and disbelief. Thanks to supplication, afflictions can be removed or changed. Furthermore, supplications are seen as a form of wisdom and you are guaranteed to be rewarded. In addition, supplications are a sign of solidarity with the Muslim community and are considered an ideal medicine against illness, despair and negativity.
Ending the supplication
The closing of a supplication should be done by pronouncing the word ‘ameen’. Ameen literally means “O Allah, hear this supplication” in Arabic. It is said that by saying ameen, the chance of the supplication being answered is much greater. It is important to pronounce the word ameen correctly.
Are all supplications answered?
Opinions about this matter differ, but in general most scholars agree that supplications are not answered:
- If you as a Muslim know Allah, but choose to not obey Him.
- If you read the Qur’an, but you don’t follow it.
- If you’re afraid of hell but don’t try your upmost best not to be banished into the hellfire